How to get ready for your first job interview

So, you landed your first job interview. Congrats! Whether it’s for a summer gig, part-time job, or something bigger, this is a big step. It can feel exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The good news? You can totally prepare for this. In fact, you’re already doing it. (High five.)

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prep, what to expect, and how to feel more confident walking in. Because your first impression? It starts before you even say hello.

Understand the job and the company

Before you even say a word, know what you’re walking into. What kind of job is it? Who does the company serve? What makes it stand out?

Research the basics

• Read the job description line by line. Highlight responsibilities and skills it’s asking for.

• Explore the company’s website, especially its About Us and Careers pages.

• Follow the company on social media to get a sense of its tone, priorities, and recent updates.

Try to find what makes this company different—its values, culture, or community involvement. This context can help you frame why you’d be a great fit.

Practice common interview questions

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Interviewers love a few classic questions. Practicing answers out loud helps you feel more confident and less caught off guard.

Prepare answers to questions like:

• "Tell me about yourself."

• "Why do you want to work here?"

• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

• "Tell me about a time you worked on a team."

• "How do you handle stress or pressure?"

Prep your own questions

When they ask, "Do you have any questions for me?" always say yes. It’s a chance to show you’re engaged.

Smart questions to ask:

• What does a typical day look like in this role?

• What qualities make someone successful here?

• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

• How do you support growth or learning for employees?

Avoid asking about salary or time off in a first interview, unless they bring it up.

Dress the part

First impressions count, and your outfit helps set the tone.

Tips for dressing for your first interview:

• When in doubt, go business casual: think polo or button-down shirt, slacks or clean jeans, simple shoes.

• Make sure clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and fit well.

• Keep accessories minimal. Neat hair and clean nails go a long way.

If your interview is virtual, make sure your background is tidy and lighting is good. Dress fully — yes, even your pants. It’ll help you feel the part.

Plan your arrival

Whether it’s in-person or virtual, prep like a pro:

• Map your route and plan to arrive 10 minutes early.

• Test your technology the day before if it's remote (camera, mic, internet).

• Have a copy of your resume ready—printed or pulled up on your device.

• Silence your phone completely.

Being on time, or early, shows respect for the opportunity and your future team.

Stay calm and confident

It’s normal to feel nervous. Even seasoned professionals do. What helps? Preparation, deep breathing, and a mindset shift.

Instead of thinking, “I hope they like me,” try: “This is a conversation to see if this is a good fit for both of us.”

During the interview:

• Make eye contact (or look into the camera for virtual interviews)

• Nod and smile where appropriate to show you're listening

• Take a beat before answering if you need to gather your thoughts

• Be yourself—professionalism and authenticity go hand in hand

After the interview, send a thank you note

The interview isn’t over when you leave the room (or click "leave meeting"). Sending a thoughtful thank you note within 24 hours helps you stand out. Keep it short and sincere.

For example:

"Hi [Interviewer's Name], thank you again for meeting with me today. I enjoyed learning more about the [Job Title] position and your team. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute and grow with [Company Name]. Looking forward to next steps!"

Common first-job interview mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Even confident candidates can slip up. Here's what to avoid:

• Talking too much: Keep answers focused and to the point

• Not doing your research: Know the company, role, and why you want it

• Forgetting your questions: Have them ready beforehand

• Skipping the follow-up: A quick note shows maturity and professionalism

Go beyond the basics: Practice with real feedback

Want to level up? Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to do a mock interview with you. Bonus points if they’ve interviewed people before.

Record yourself answering questions and watch it back. It may feel awkward, but it's one of the fastest ways to improve tone, pacing, and clarity.

You can even write down your answers and refine them. Just don’t memorize them word-for-word. It’s better to sound natural than scripted.

Start small and build from there

You don’t need to wait for a "real job" to start building experience. Babysitting, helping a neighbor, school clubs, sports teams — they all count. Look for ways to be dependable, take initiative, and follow through. That’s what jobs are made of.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.